Important Considerations When Choosing an Ice Crusher and Blower System

If you are in the entertainment or snow-making industries, you need an ice crusher and blower system. This equipment is heavy duty, and can be used over long periods of time. At SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC you are able to design the exact ice crusher and blower system that you need. If you need high capacity, fast output, or a certain fuel type, SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC can help you get exactly what you’re looking for. In order to know what you need, you first have to know what is out there and how it can serve your business.

What Ice Crushers and Blowers Are

Ice crushers and blowers are actually two separate machines. Your business may call for one, the other or a combination.

  • Ice Blower – Ice blowers are commonly used to make it look like it is snowing, such as for a video or photoshoot. A motorized fan propels crushed ice into the air. The blower’s design, fan, and motor can be adjusted to change the distance the ice is propelled and the output. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC wants to make sure that you get exactly the system that you need.
  • Ice Crusher – The ice crusher does exactly what the name suggests. It crushes ice. This machine tends to be large, but it is still quite simple. Ice is fed into the machine and pushed along towards the crushing mechanisms. The crusher has blades which a motor turns. These blades crush the ice and feed it back out of the machine. This gives you snow-like ice particles.
  • Crusher-Blower Combination – It’s fairly easy to see that these two machines would work great together. Ice blowers need a supply of crushed ice, and ice crushers can provide that supply. This will allow you to have a longer-lasting snowing effect. Having the blower also means you do not have to shovel the crushed ice up.

If you need an ice blower or an ice crusher, chances are you want a combination. It will give you a better use of your crushed ice, and it makes for some great effects.

Customizing Ice Crushers and Blowers

Because every business is not the same, it is important for ice crushers and blowers, like other machinery, to be versatile. Some of the many options that exist for ice crushers and blowers include the following:

  • Size and capacity – You can get a machine that can hold up to 300 pound blocks of ice or even 400 pounds.
  • Output speed – You can get a machine with an output as low as about 25 tons per hour all the way to speeds of 2000 pounds per minute.
  • Cost – With the different options you can choose to get or not get, there is a wide range of cost as well. This means that you can find something in your price range, no matter what that is.
  • Maintenance – You can choose what fuel type it is and what type of mounting is required.
  • Blowing Distance – As discussed earlier, these machines can be set to blow shorter or longer distances. Some machines can even propel ice to distances of 300 feet.
  • Ice Type – You can also get machines that crush different types of ice—cubes, blocks, fragments or tubes.

Contact SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC for Assistance

Contact SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC to get the machine that’s right for you. We can help you build the perfect system for your business. Don’t settle for getting a cookie cutter machine; build your own customized ice crusher and/or blower today.

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Guide to Cooling and Storing Melons

Melons are highly regarded around the world for their delicious, sweet tastes. Botanically they are classified as a type of berry, making them a fruit; however, some types of melons are used as a culinary vegetable depending on the melon, dish, and other circumstances. Melons are also popular in various types of drinks and beverages. Regardless of how they will ultimately be consumed, quality and freshness are key factors and begin with proper cooling and storage methods. Let’s take a look at best post-harvest cooling and storage methods for several types of melons including cantaloupes, honey dews, casabas, Persian, crenshaw, and watermelon.

Cooling Information for Cantaloupes and Persian Melons

Cantaloupes, sometimes also spelled “cantelope” or “cantaloup” are the most popular type of melon in the United States. They are very closely related to Persian melons with both belonging to a group of melons known as muskmelons. Their scientific name is Cucumis melo cantalupensis and they are considered different cultivars of the same species. Persian melons are slightly larger than cantaloupes and have a slightly darker green rind, both have orange flesh. The following information applies most directly to cantaloupes but is similar for Persian melons.

Harvesting – Cantaloupes are typically harvest at either “full slip” or “¾ slip.” This refers to their ripeness and sugar levels. At full slip the cantaloupes will separate cleanly from the vine, while at 3/4 slip there will be noticeable but not full separation. Full slip fruit are sweeter and more flavorful but do not last as long after harvest. By contrast a ¾ slip fruit is usually considered sweet enough to harvest and will have a longer shelf life.

Shelf Life – Full slip cantaloupes have a shelf life of about 5 to 14 days after harvest. By contrast a ¾ slip cantaloupe will last about 15 to 21 days after harvest under ideal conditions.

Handling – Cantaloupes are prone to fungal rot after harvesting. To reduce or prevent this problem they are often submerged in hot water, about 120°F- 130°F, for 1-2 minutes. They should then be dried and cooled as quickly as possible to maintain quality.

Temperature – Cantaloupes should be stored at a temperature of about 36°F-41°F. Lower temperatures will risk chill damage while higher temperatures may be insufficient to adequately reduce respiration and decay.

Humidity – Cantaloupes should be stored at a relative humidity of about 95%. Lower humidity levels will risk dehydration.

Forced-Air Cooling – For best results cantaloupes should be cooled with the forced-air cooling method. This involves placing them in a refrigerated room and forcing air ventilation around them to more rapidly cool them than room cooling alone could achieve.

Cooling Information for Honeydew and Other Muskmelons

After cantaloupes the most popular and widely known type of muskmelon in the United States is the honeydew melon. Like cantaloupes and Persian melons, honeydew melons are a type of muskmelon. Honeydew belongs to the species Cucumis melo inodorus. Along with honeydew other varieties of muskmelons in this species include casaba melons and crenshaw melons. Honeydew melons are known for their green flesh and are somewhat smaller than cantaloupes. The following cooling information most directly applies to honeydew melons but is similar for casaba melons, crenshaw melons, and other melons of the Cucumis melo inodorus variety.

Harvesting – Honeydew melons do not separate from the vine in the same way that cantaloupe slip levels can be determined. Instead honeydew melons are harvested when their ground color changes from green and fuzzy to creamy white and waxy. Ripe honeydew may also have yellow accents on their rinds.

Shelf Life – Under optimal conditions honeydew melons may have a shelf life of up to 3 weeks.

Temperature – Honeydew melons do not require temperatures as cold as cantaloupes. About 45°F is optimal.

Humidity – Honeydew melons also do not require quite as high a relative humidity as cantaloupes. About 85%-90% is optimal.

Forced-Air Cooling – Like cantaloupes, honeydew melons should be cooled using the forced-air method. Room cooling alone may take too long to sufficiently lower the honeydews’ temperature to prevent premature decay.

Cooling Information for Watermelons

Watermelons are not muskmelons and are not as closely related to cantaloupes, honeydew, and other melons mentioned in this article as those melons are to each other. Watermelons belong to the Citrullus lanatus species. They have a smooth, hard rind that is usually green with darker green stripes. Inside their flesh is typically a deep red. Some varieties of watermelons may have yellow spots on their rinds and may have pink, orange, or white flesh. Both seeded and seedless varieties exist and watermelon size and weight varies. Different varieties may call for slightly different care but in general the following is true for watermelon cooling and harvesting.

Harvesting – Watermelon are harvested when the portion of the melon resting on the ground changes from a pale white to a creamy yellow. The vine tendril attached to the watermelon will also often begin to wilt and seeded varieties will have usually developed hardened seed coats.

Shelf Life – Watermelons typically last about 2-3 weeks after harvest.

Temperature – Watermelons require warmer temperatures than cantaloupes and honeydew with a range of about 50°F-59°F yielding a shelf life of about 2 weeks and a range of about 45°F-50°F yielding a shelf life of about 3 weeks. However, temperatures at and below 45°F may result in chill damage and should be avoided.

Humidity – Watermelons should be kept in an environment with a relative humidity of about 85%-90% to prevent dehydration.

Room Cooling – Room cooling is typically sufficient to cool watermelons. This involves placing them in a refrigerated room or cooler and allowing them to naturally adjust to ambient temperatures.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC provides high quality, customizable cooling and storage solutions for melons and produce. Regardless of the particular type of melon our customers need to cool and store we can develop a personalized system that best meets their needs and priorities. Our goal is to help our customers get fresh, delicious melons into stores and onto consumers’ plates.

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A Closer Look at Concrete Cooling Systems: Post-Pour Cooling

The exothermic chemical reaction that takes place during the mixing of concrete can cause temperatures to exceed 200°F. When concrete is poured at such high temperatures this typically results in reduced tensile strength, tendency to crack, and non-uniformity. This means that high pouring temperatures can lead to low quality finished concrete.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC wants to help your business produce the best concrete possible. This means that you have to have a concrete cooling system. There are many different customizable aspects of a concrete cooling system. In order to get the best system for your projects it is important to understand all the various concrete cooling methods. Let’s take a look at one of the final lines of defense for cooling concrete: post-pour cooling.

About Post-Pour Concrete Cooling Systems

Post-pour cooling systems do exactly what the name suggests: these systems are used to cool concrete after it has been poured. Generally containerized water chillers are used to pump cold water through a piping system. When water is released from the containers it is normally at about 40°F. By the time it makes it through the pipes it is at about 50°F.

These chillers are similar to chillers used to cool the mixing water. The difference is that these are a bit more mobile. As the construction progresses, you have to be able to move the chilling containers so the newer parts can be chilled post-pour.

When Post-Pour Cooling Is Necessary

In huge concrete structures such as dams, foundations and some concrete highways concrete has to be cooled after it’s been poured. After the concrete is poured, but before it is completely solid, cooling helps shrink the concrete which reduces the possibilities of cracking. However, while post-pour cooling is useful and important for these very large concrete projects, it is not typically the primary concrete cooling system. For most concrete projects sufficient cooling can be accomplished by cooling mixing water and aggregates prior to pouring. However, in situations where the concrete won’t cool adequately using these traditional measures alone, a post-pour cooling system is extremely useful and important.

Options for Post-Pour Cooling

When you’re looking at putting some sort of post-pour cooling system in place, you have to consider your options.

  • Cooling Pipe Size – One thing you have to consider is the cooling pipe size. It is important that you work with a company like SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC who can help you choose the right pipe. If this system is not put together just right it can reduce the quality of your concrete.
  • Spacing – Another option you have to keep a close eye on is the spacing of the pipes. Each project may require different spacing to optimize the post-pour cooling technique.
  • Temperatures – The temperature of water that you use can also be an important option. If any of these details are off, it can cause irreparable damage to the concrete.
  • High Initial Costs – Another thing to consider as you look at these options is that post-pour cooling has a high initial investment cost.
  • High Operating Costs – It also has a high operating cost because the volume of water used is generally quite high.

There are many options that you have to consider in a post-pour cooling system.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC Delivers Quality Post-Pour Cooling Systems

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC wants your business to be the most productive that it can be. That means that we want to help you customize the ideal concrete cooling system for your projects. If post-pour cooling is the right choice, SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC can help you get exactly what you need. Regardless, we will help you determine the best concrete cooling system, whether it involves post cooling or not.

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Is Post-Pour Cooling Always Necessary in Concrete Cooling Systems?

If you often work with concrete you probably already understand the importance of having a reliable concrete cooling system in place. Otherwise, the high temperatures caused by the exothermic chemical reaction during the production of concrete can cause the final product to be less durable, more susceptible to cracking, non-uniform, and not as strong. However, there are many different options available for concrete cooling and you may be unsure exactly what you need.

One such component of some concrete cooling systems is a post-pour cooling system. In order to understand if you need this type of cooling, you first have to know what post-pour cooling is and then you can ascertain if you need it or not.

What is Post-Pour Cooling?

Post-pour cooling is a system that cools concrete after it has been poured. This type of system is generally used with extremely high volumes of concrete such as with big dams, large foundations, and some concrete highways. The system uses containerized water chillers and a piping system to cool concrete from the inside.

Pipes are laid in the area where the concrete is going to be poured. After the concrete is poured, the pipes are inside. Water is released into the pipes from the containerized water chillers. The water normally begins at about 40°F and ends at about 50°F.

The chillers that are used are similar to chillers used to cool the mixing water. However, these containers are a bit more mobile. This mobility allows you to make sure that you get water to every part of the concrete. As the project progresses, you can move the water to the newer parts.

Why is Post-Pour Cooling Generally Not Needed?

There are a few reasons why post-pour cooling is generally not used:

  • High Start-up Cost – The initial investment for post-pour cooling is quite high. This tends to keep people from using it unless it is absolutely necessary.
  • High Operational Cost – Since water is continuously run through the pipes until the massive amounts of concrete are completely cooled, the operational costs is also quite high.
  • Delicate Process – One of the biggest reasons why post-pour cooling is generally not used is that the process is quite delicate. There are a number of factors—pipe size, spacing between pipes and temperature of water. If each of these factors is not just right, your concrete is more susceptible to cracking.

The bottom line, however, is that post-pour cooling is generally not used because it’s not necessary. For most concrete applications other, standard methods of concrete cooling, will be sufficient to properly cool the product. However, when more intensive cooling is needed, post-pour cooling is a great option.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC Can Customize Your Concrete Cooling System

Whether you need post-pour cooling or not, SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC can customize your concrete cooling system. We realize that not every business is the same, so not every business needs the same cooling system. When you work with SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC you get the option to purchase exactly what you need. We strive to provide you with the best machinery, products, and service possible for your individual needs. If you believe you need a post-pour concrete cooling system, or any type of concrete cooling system, contact us and let us help you get the system that is right for your company.

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Fish Cooling and the Pros and Cons of Shell Ice

Keeping your fish properly stored and cooled is extremely important to your livelihood if you are a fisherman. If your catch isn’t kept at a proper temperature it can spoil, which results in wasted goods and loss of income. There are a number of cooling methods, and shell ice is one way to keep your catch accurately cooled. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC can help you decide what storage solutions work best for your industrial cooling system.

Pros of Using Shell Ice

One of the biggest pros of using shell ice is that it lasts longer than many other forms, making it ideal for longer fishing trips or for boats that may encounter bad weather that can inadvertently lengthen the days at sea. Research has shown that shell ice can remain workable for seven days. As with all ice, shrinkage of shell ice occurs over time, but less so than with many other types.

Ice in general is the preferred cooling method on commercial boats, as it is cost-effective, versatile, and works to cool the fish right away. It also doesn’t bring in potentially toxic or foreign chemical agents, which keeps the fish safe for consumers.

Cons of Using Shell Ice

While shell ice can be beneficial in many situations, there are some cons to using it. Towards the end of seven days, the ice can be quite dirty. This can affect the quality of the fish and may even make it unusable if too much of the dirt and grime contacts the fish.

If fully surrounding the fish is necessary, other types of ice such as slush ice may be better in order to cool the product effectively and quickly. Shell ice, and any type of ice, is also not as effective with seafood that needs to stay alive, such as lobster and crab. Ice can help keep the product cool in an indirect way, but cool seawater is typically the most effective cooling method in that situation. There are a number of alternate cooling products that SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC offers for such occasions.

Planning for Your Trip is Crucial

A good fisherman knows that part of a successful fishing voyage is the planning process. Running out of ice part way through the trip can ruin the product and make the journey a waste. It is crucial that you take into consideration the amount of storage space that you will need for ice. Relevant factors include the length of the trip, the size of the boat, how much fish you plan on catching, and whether the boat has ice-making capabilities on board.

How much ice you take on the trip will also depend on what type of fish is being caught. Small, medium, and large fish all have different ice considerations and you should plan accordingly. You also want to take into account the local ambient temperatures so that you can anticipate ice loss due to heat gain in containers or hold. The fish market should also be a consideration. Fish that are of high value, such as bluefin or yellowfin tuna, swordfish, or mahi mahi, have stringent icing requirements compared to fish meant for local consumption.

The type of storage available will also determine how much ice is needed. The sizes of the hold space as well as the fact if it is insulated or not will make a big difference. One way to know if you have estimated the correct amount of ice is to measure it at the end of every trip. After all of the fish has been taken out, there should be some ice left over.

Make sure that your fishing expedition is successful by using the right cooling system. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC has a number of shell ice systems that can be designed and customized for your boat’s size and your fishing needs. Contact us for more information.

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The Pros and Cons of Flake Ice for Fish Cooling

Anyone in the industry of transporting fish knows that you have to keep it cool. Otherwise you run the risk of selling bad products to your customers. Spoilage begins as soon as the fish dies, so it is important to take great care to keep the fish as fresh and cool as possible. Once they start going bad, spoilage cannot be undone.

When you are considering how best to keep fish cool, you have a few options to consider. There are several different types of ice that you can use—block ice, slush ice or flake ice—or even chilled seawater. However, this article is going to focus on helping you understand exactly what flake ice is, and then focus on the pros and cons of flake ice. Be sure to check out our series on the pros and cons of other types of ice.

What Is Flake Ice?

Flake ice, also sometimes referred to as scale ice, is large, flat, thin pieces of ice. It’s normally formed in a drum. It is made by contact freezing a film of water on the inner or outer surface of the drum. The ice is sub-cooled, so that it becomes extremely brittle. Once the ice is cracked it falls due to gravity into the ice store.

Flake ice has to be stored in freezers below freezing in order to keep it fresh and usable for the transportation of fish. Flake ice is commonly used to chill fish and other food products; however it is also used in an array of other industries that require effective cooling systems, such as the concrete industry for example. When transporting fish it can be stored at above freezing for moderate lengths of time without too many problems.

The Advantages of Flake Ice

Just as with other types of ice, there are some advantages to using flake ice to transport fish. Understanding these pros will help you ascertain if flake ice is the ice you need to help you keep your fish cool and fresh.

  • Easy to Use – Compared to crushed ice, flake ice is easy to use because it does not require you to crush it.
  • Efficiently Fits Around Fish – Flake ice can also be packed well around the fish, which makes it a very efficient cooling agent.
  • Moisture Retention – As the flake ice melts, it moistens the fish which helps them not lose weight. The initial melting also forms a thin skin which helps slow down the melting of the remaining ice.
  • Safety – Ice that is made from clean sources does not introduce bacteria or additives that other methods of refrigeration might introduce.
  • Convenience – Flake ice is easily manufactured, stored, and transported.
  • No Extra Equipment – Unlike with crushed ice, you do not need any extra equipment to use flake ice. This in turn helps save valuable space on-board ships.
  • More Surface Area – Flake ice has more surface area than many other types of ice. This allows it to cool faster than other ice.

Flake ice can be quite advantageous in the transportation of fish. It may be just the ice that your business needs.

The Disadvantages of Flake Ice

While there are many pros to using flake ice to cool fish, there are a few cons that must be discussed as well. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC wants to make sure that you have all of the information necessary to make the best decision for your business.

  • More Surface Area – While the surface area is a plus due to its increased cooling potential, it is also a disadvantage because that means it is more likely to melt.
  • Space Efficiency – Flake ice tends to take up more room than crushed or slush ice, and considerably more room pound-for-pound than solid block ice.
  • Requires Large Capacity – Because it takes up more room, a larger capacity is needed to do the same amount of cooling.
  • Possible Caking at Sides or Bottom – One of the drawbacks of using flake ice is that it can result in caking at the sides and bottom of the transportation area.

Knowing the pros and cons of different fish cooling agents will help you understand what is best suited for your business’s needs.

How Can SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC Help?

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC can help you figure out what type of fish cooling strategy is best for your business. If you already know what is best, we can also help you get the customized machinery and equipment that you need. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC offers completely customizable equipment. We strive to give you the best products and services available, so that you can pass on that quality in the form of fresher, delicious fish to your customers. Don’t use a product that isn’t right for your business. Talk to SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC today to get a better understanding of your ice-related needs.

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The Pros and Cons of Chilling Fish With Slush Ice

Within the commercial fishing industry, proper storage techniques are of paramount importance. If the freshly caught fish are not kept at the proper temperature, they deteriorate, and the entire shipment is ruined. Of the many cooling methods supplied by SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC, a system bolstered by slush ice is one of the most beneficial. In using this method, commercial fishing businesses ensure the protection of their stock.

The Origins of Slush Ice

When trying to preserve fish, low temperatures are essential to preventing the development of bacteria as well as spoiling. Over the years people have devised numerous cooling methods. One of the most popular is slush ice, which is produced simply by mixing water and ice together. Though slush ice does not chill fish as quickly as other cooling methods, there are still several important advantages associated with this cooling system.

Slush Ice Is an Effective Cooling Agent

Due to its composition, slush ice easily reduces the temperature of fish to zero degrees. The ice is usually placed within small, insulated tubs that promote a low-temperature environment. Once placed within the tubs, the fish quickly cool and remain fresh throughout the length of their shipment. As a result of its impressive cooling abilities, slush ice is becoming popular within many sectors of the fishing industry, particular shrimping companies.

Slush Ice Is Easy to Produce and Transport

Convenience is another huge advantage to using slush ice. Unlike other cooling systems, it is not difficult to transport and can be fashioned to fit into the confines of almost any container. Furthermore, ice is a resource that people can attain in almost any location. As long as they have access to clean water and a cooling agent, they can produce as much ice as they need. When a clean water source is not readily available, workers can treat their available water supply with a purification technique.

Slush Ice Keeps Fish Well-Preserved

Without ice, it is likely the entire fishing industry would collapse. Few other resources are capable of preserving food for such long periods of time. After fish are caught, the ice maintains their freshness through each stage of the transportation process. It is only through slush ice and other cooling systems that customers are able to indulge in fresh, tasty seafood. Without such resources, fish would no longer be a viable commodity.

Slush Ice Helps Fish Retain Moisture

Slush ice is composed of essentially two elements: ice and water. Whereas the former functions as a cooling system, the latter preserves the moisture of the fish. When fish are refrigerated, they have a tendency to dehydrate and diminish in weight. Not only does water retain moisture, but it also assists in the cooling process. As the water evaporates, it promotes increased heat transport and cools the fish more quickly. This reduces the chance of spoiling and keeps the fish as fresh as the day they were caught.

Drawbacks to Using Slush Ice

While slush ice is an overwhelmingly effective cooling method, it does have a few drawbacks. For instance, when there is too much water in the slush ice, it may melt and leave the fish exposed to higher temperatures. By simply having workers monitor the liquidity of the ice, however, this problem can be avoided. Another limitation of slush ice is that it may cause pigments and micronutrients within the fish to drain out. Drier types of cooling systems are usually more adept at retaining such substances.

In spite of its few disadvantages, slush ice remains an effective and efficient cooling solution. The moment fish leave the water, they start to breakdown and lose their freshness. The cooling systems offered by SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC successfully preserve fish throughout the transportation process. Please contact us to discuss your needs so that we can determine if slush ice is the right cooling method for you.

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Methods for Cooling Nectarines Post-Harvest

Nectarines are often thought to be a cross between a peach and a plum; however that is not the case. In fact, a nectarine is a cultivar of a peach that is bred for less fuzz and more firmness. There is a recessive allele in nectarines that causes the smoother skin. Seeds with the dominant allele produce the fuzzier peaches. Both fruits ripen quickly and bruise easily, making it imperative to use the best methods for cooling nectarines after harvest.

General Facts About Nectarines

Nectarines have been domesticated for more than 4.000 years, likely originating in China. They are a good source of vitamins A and C and are often cooked into desserts, jams and conserves. While peaches are closely associated with the eastern coast of the United States, more than 95% of nectarines are grown in California. Nectarines are somewhat tarter than peaches but are typically used in many of the same circumstances in which one might use a peach.

Information About Cooling and Storing Nectarines

Like their brother, the peach, nectarines are a delicate fruit with thin skin and soft flesh. As a result, they bruise easily and are difficult to store. It’s important to pick them at the right time so that they are ripe enough to taste delicious but not so ripe as to break apart during cooling or storage. To ensure every last fruit makes it to the consumer, the following factors must be considered:

Temperature – Nectarines will keep developing as long as the temperature is warm, so cooling immediately is necessary to stave off ripening of the fruit. They should be cooled and stored at around 31°F.

Handling – Nectarines cannot be tossed, dropped or loosely stored. They must be handled delicately to ensure the fruit does not bruise and begin releasing ethylene that might damage other fruit.

Shelf Life – Nectarines have a shelf life of 2-4 weeks, which is somewhat short compared with other fruits. The more efficiently they’re cooled after picking, the more likely they are to last on the longer end of this spectrum. Nectarines can be treated and canned which will significantly increase shelf life and is a great way to store fruit that won’t be eaten in time to remain fresh.

Relative Humidity – The flesh of a nectarine is juicy and requires high humidity of 90% or above to maintain the moisture of the fruit and prevent shriveling.

Methods of Cooling Nectarines

Nectarines cannot be simply refrigerated after harvest, since this will not lower their temperature as quickly as necessary to effectively slow ripening. Field heat must be removed from the fruit in the first 24 hours after picking to obtain the best output from the crop. To rapidly reduce the temperature of the fruit, consider the following effective methods of cooling nectarines after harvest:

Hydrocooling – This method of cooling produce involves submerging it in cold water or under a constant stream of running water. Hydrocooling is fast at reducing temperature and also helps to aid in cleaning the fruit. It’s most effective when used in conjunction with other cooling methods, since fruit should not sit in water for an extended period of time.

Forced-Air Cooling – This cooling technique is especially effective when used directly after hydrocooling. Forced-air cooling places the nectarines in a refrigerated area and adds the effect of moving the cooled air by using fans. This method surrounds the fruit with constantly cool air to quickly reduce temperatures and prepare the nectarines for packing.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC knows how important each harvest is during the growing season and how hard growers work to obtain the perfect fruit. In order to keep that fruit its freshest, it’s wise to consider a custom cooling system built with the right specifications for nectarines. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC offers designs created for precise needs to offer the best methods for cooling nectarines after harvest, and storing them until delivery.

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A Closer Look at Concrete Cooling Systems: Sand Cooling

Concrete cooling systems are extremely important for companies and businesses that work with concrete, especially large-pour projects. During the hydration process, a chemical reaction occurs that is highly exothermic. That means that it releases heat. The temperature can exceed 200°F. When concrete is poured at such a high temperature this can cause major problems. The concrete tends to be less durable, more prone to cracking. Such concrete is also weaker and non-uniform. That’s why it is extremely important to use a concrete cooling system to offset these temperature rises.

Concrete cooling systems are not all the same and sometimes the temperature requirements may vary depending on the project. When the temperature needs to be extremely low, you can’t use a run of the mill cooling system. Instead a more extreme option such as a sand cooling system may be used. This article will help you understand what sand cooling is and when this type of concrete cooling system is necessary.

About Sand Cooling Systems

Sand cooling is one of the least common forms of concrete cooling systems. This is in part because it is often unnecessary, especially for typical concrete projects, and it is also a more expensive option than many other concrete cooling systems. It requires a highly customized, sophisticated set-up. The sand is usually cooled in either a rotary cooling drum or sand silos.

It is also important to note that even in systems that do utilize sand cooling, it is still used with other methods of cooling. Many times ice or cold water is used to help cool down the sand. The sand helps keep the concrete thoroughly cooled during the entire process.

When Sand Cooling Systems Are Used

A sand cooling system is used when chilled water, ice, or aggregate cooling just won’t be enough. Since sand cooling is used in conjunction with other cooling methods, it is important to note how these methods are completed and when sand cooling comes in.

  • Water Cooling – Water chilling plants can lower water temperatures from 113°F to 32°F. There are normally three or four stages in this cooling process.
  • Ice Cooling – Flake ice or plate ice can be used in ice cooling systems. Plate ice is better for cooling larger areas. Flake ice tends to be a more efficient cooling agent because it has a higher surface area per ton of ice.
  • Aggregate Cooling – Aggregate cooling can be done with air or water. Air is better for sites with limited space. A water system needs a wet belt and dewatering systems, but air can use existing silos./li>

When these cooling systems can’t keep the temperature lower enough or provide a thorough enough cooling, sand cooling systems may be necessary.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC Delivers Quality Sand Cooling Systems

Sand cooling systems are highly customized, and it can be expensive. However, at SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC we take pride in providing the best systems and options at the best price possible. If sand cooling is going to be your best option, SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC will be able to let you know and help you through the process. Contact us to discuss the particulars of your business and your concerns and we will be able to work out a solution that fits your requirements.

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Is Aggregate Cooling Always Necessary in Concrete Cooling Systems?

The curing and hardening of concrete is a chemical reaction that occurs via hydration as the cement mix forms strong bonds with water. This chemical reaction is an exothermic reaction, meaning that it gives off heat as a byproduct. For large-pour concrete projects this can result in serious problems as the concrete expands, develops a temperature gradient, or experiences reduced tensile strength and cracking. To overcome this problem concrete, particularly for large projects, must typically undergo a concrete cooling process.

One effective method of concrete cooling is aggregate cooling. Let’s take a look at what aggregate cooling is, how it works, and whether or not it is always necessary for concrete cooling systems.

What Is Aggregate Cooling?

To understand what aggregate cooling is, it is first necessary to understand what aggregates are. The term “aggregates” refers to the inert granular materials that are present in the mix. These typically consist of sand, gravel, or crushed stone. When the aggregates are combined with the cement mix and water together these ingredients combine into concrete. Thus aggregate cooling refers to the cooling of these inert aggregate materials. By cooling these materials prior to the mixing process, the temperature rise that occurs due to hydration during the mixing can be partially offset, thereby reducing or eliminating the potential problems discussed above.

How Are Aggregates Cooled?

There are two broad methods of cooling aggregates: cooling by water and cooling by air.

Cooling by Water – Cooling by water involves the use of chilled water to cool the aggregate materials. This is most often accomplished via the flooded silo method or by wet belt applications. In the flooded silo method the silo in which the aggregates are stored is literally flooded with chilled water, thereby cooling the aggregates. However, this necessitates water removal which, depending on the particular setup, system, and resources available might be burdensome. Thus, another alternative is the wet belt method which cools the aggregates with chilled water as they travel along a conveyor belt, thus avoiding full silo flooding and minimizing excess water.

Cooling by Air – Cooling by air offers the advantage of removing the need for a dewatering system. In air cooling a series of air nozzles are installed in the silo where the aggregates are stored and a defined air stream is established. The aggregates are then moistened and the cold air is blown past them, cooling them with evaporative cooling and removing the moisture in the process.

What Other Concrete Cooling Options Exist?

Aggregate cooling is only one of several broad concrete cooling approaches which include:

  • Aggregate Cooling – As discussed above.
  • Drum or Agitator Cooling – Cooling occurs in the agitator drum or mixing truck during the mixing process itself.
  • Water Cooling – The water used for hydration is cooled separately prior to mixing.
  • Post Cooling – Cooling occurs after the concrete has already been mixed and poured.

Is Aggregate Cooling Necessary?

So is aggregate cooling necessary? The answer is it depends. It depends on the size and requirements of the pouring project and the efficacy of the other cooling approaches used. Often for small- or mid-size pour projects aggregate cooling is not necessary. Ultimately some companies opt to avoid or minimize aggregate cooling by instead focusing on other concrete cooling methods as discussed briefly in the previous section.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC Provides Dependable Concrete Cooling Systems

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC provides dependable, industry-leading concrete cooling systems that may or may not incorporate aggregate cooling depending on the particular client’s and project’s needs. We are committed to helping our clients get the system that best fits their requirements and will discuss their aggregate cooling and other concrete cooling options to ensure the best results. Our clients can count on us for outstanding concrete cooling systems.

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